Devine Scripture

1 Corinthians 5:3

What does 1 Corinthians 5:3 mean?

A plain-English look at 1 Corinthians 5:3 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 1 Corinthians 5:3 means

Paul assures them that distance does not blunt his pastoral oversight. “Absent in body but present in spirit” means he stands with them, united in purpose and authority under Christ. He has already rendered judgment regarding the deed—not out of personal irritation, but as an apostle applying Christ’s standards. His example shows that the church is not paralyzed by geography or hesitation when the facts are clear. Moral clarity is not harshness; it is necessary for healing. By stating he has judged “as though I were present,” Paul teaches the Corinthians to discern and decide based on truth, not personalities or proximity.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

For I verily, being absent in body but present in spirit, have already as though I were present judged him that hath so wrought this thing,

KJV

King James Version · 1611

For I verily, as absent in body, but present in spirit, have judged already, as though I were present, concerning him that hath so done this deed,

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

For I verily, being absent in body but present in spirit, have already as though I were present judged him that hath so wrought this thing,

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

For I myself, being present in spirit though not in body, have come to a decision about him who has done this thing;

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

for I indeed, as being absent as to the body, and present as to the spirit, have already judged, as being present, him who so wrought this thing:

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

I indeed, absent in body but present in spirit, have already judged, as though I were present, him that hath so done,

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

For I, [as] absent in body but present in spirit, have already judged as present,

Context

Following the call to mourn and remove the offender (v. 2), Paul models leadership. He does not wait for a visit; he exercises discernment now. This paves the way for verse 4’s formal direction to act together under the authority of “our Lord Jesus.” The move from rebuke (v. 2) to judgment (v. 3) to instruction (vv. 4–5) creates a clear path: recognize the sin, resolve to address it, and carry out a Christ-honoring process.

v.2And ye are puffed up, and did not rather mourn, that he that had done this deed might be taken away from among you.

v.3This passage

v.4in the name of our Lord Jesus, ye being gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus,

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • 1 Thessalonians 2:17

    But we, brethren, being bereaved of you for a short season, in presence not in heart, endeavored the more exceedingly to see your face with great desire:

  • 2 Corinthians 13:2

    I have said beforehand, and I do say beforehand, as when I was present the second time, so now, being absent, to them that have sinned heretofore, and to all the rest, that, if I come again, I will not spare;

  • 2 Corinthians 10:11

    Let such a one reckon this, that, what we are in word by letters when we are absent, such are we also in deed when we are present.

  • Colossians 2:5

    For though I am absent in the flesh, yet am I with you in the spirit, joying and beholding your order, and the stedfastness of your faith in Christ.

  • 2 Corinthians 10:1

    Now I Paul myself entreat you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ, I who in your presence am lowly among you, but being absent am of good courage toward you:

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